9. Jon Bachanov | RHP | Age – 21 | Grade – C+Having a mediocre year before going down with an injury…red flags from last year included a small sample size of success and how hittable he was despite an excellent K:BB ratio

You’ll see Bachanov rank higher on other lists due to his spectacular return from Tommy John surgery. Unlike most guys breaking in a new elbow, Bachanov showed stunning control over two plus pitches, a low 90’s fastball that touched 96 at times, and a hard-breaking slider. Over 32.2 rookie ball innings in Arizona and Utah, he walked just 5 batters and fanned 52, resulting in a 10.4 K/BB ratio. Beyond the gaudy ’09 numbers, however, remain questions about his long-term health, his role, and just how well his stuff will play against better competition. …

Bachanov has a fastball that sits at 92-93 which he commands well, peaking at 96 mph. The slider is a plus offering that looks to be a true out-pitch. Bachanov also throws a solid changeup, though it’s a pitch seldom uses. …

The Angels 1st selection in the 2007 amateur draft, Bachanov is a big, strong right-hander who could have a commanding presence on the mound. Jon has two average or above pitches right now, with a fastball that has the chance to be a plus pitch. When he’s balanced and in control, he’s dominant. Bachanov can throw his fastball anywhere from 89 mph up to 96 mph. He pitches consistently in the 91-92 mph range. With improved mechanics, it will become a plus pitch. He has a late tail and nice downward plane on his fastball. His curve is more like a slurve and it’s a plus pitch when it’s on. Bachanov has a changeup, but it’s behind the fastball and a breaking pitch at this point. He has a usable cutter. …

The Angels’ top pick in the ’07 draft, reliever Jon Bachanov follows the Bobby Jenks career path from Anaheim to Chicago. Though he hasn’t quite reached Jenks-ian proportions, Bachanov does stand in at 6-foot-4, 230 pounds and he does bring the heat.